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Malfoy Manor was as tall and imposing as the people who owned it.
In the opulent foyer with a glass of champagne in hand, Antares hadn't left the side of Vita and Adrian. Both wizards flanked the eldest MacMillan child, eyes surveying the party from their place in the hall. Together, the trio felt just as they were when they were students at Hogwarts. Antares had already greeted many familiar faces among the guests, but as he sipped his champagne, he couldn't help but feel different about it.
They weren't students anymore. The faces around them belonged to adults with agendas and reputations to uphold. Antares was one of them. While he did mean to enjoy himself tonight, this was a perfect opportunity to collect information for the Order. However, as he caught the joy on Adrian's face, he decided it could wait.
The Malfoy family had spared no expense in transforming their home into a dazzling display of luxury. The party was a grand affair. The chandeliers cast a pure, silver glow over the room, and decorations graced every inch of the manor. The soft murmurs of conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses created a symphony of sound.
Near the grand staircase, Antares saw Lucius Malfoy dressed impeccably in black and silver robes. The elder Malfoy moved with an air of authority, greeting guests with a charming smile. On his arm was his wife, Narcissa, who looked radiant in a matching silver gown. If Antares looked past them, he could see Draco and his entourage, minus Crabbe and Goyle. For once, the young Malfoy seemed to be genuinely happy. He couldn't help but think that being removed from Hogwarts might have contributed to his cousin's improved mood.
Antares caught himself.
Since when did he start referring to Draco as his cousin? The term had slipped into his thoughts effortlessly. To accept Draco as such meant acknowledging that he was a part of his father's family— to acknowledge that he was a Black. Antares started to feel his head spin, and not because of the champagne. He was a Kelly by name, by choice. He didn't need to be anything else, and he certainly didn't want to—
A light touch on his arm brought him back to the present. Vita and Adrian stared at him with concerned glances, clearly aware of his internal debate.
"Are you back with us, Lu?" Vita asked patiently.
"You drifted off on us, mate," Adrian murmured, lowering his arm back to his side.
"Sorry," Antares said half-heartedly, sipping his champagne. "What were you saying?"
"Nothing important," the blonde reassured, "unless you count Oya Zabini staring at you from across the room as important."
On instinct, Antares immediately ducked his head.
Adrian chuckled, his tone amused. "Smooth, mate. Real smooth."
Antares raised an eyebrow. "Are you two trying to play matchmaker now? I thought we were here to enjoy the party, not discuss my love life."
Vita grinned. "Oh, trust me, we can do both. Besides, it's much too easy to mess with you when you zone out like that."
Antares couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his friends. They were his anchor, who accepted him for who he was, moods and all. Over the years, Vita and Adrian had become accustomed to Antares' occasional moments of distraction. This wasn't the first time they pulled him back to the present like this. Both Vita and Adrian have had front-row seats to the many times when he experienced visions, even if they didn't realize it. They attributed it to his introspective nature, often teasing him about his tendency to "zone out" at the most random times.
Rolling his eyes, he turned to give his empty glass to a wandering house elf when a flash of black attire caught his eye. His eyebrows raised as he saw Severus Snape making his way through the crowd. The potions master's stood out even in the luxurious setting of Malfoy Manor.
Antares excused himself from Vita and Adrian, making his way toward Snape. He managed to catch up with him near one of the ornate pillars that adorned the edges of the grand hall. On the way, he snagged two fresh glasses, the tops still freshly bubbling.
"Severus," Antares greeted with a nod, "I have to say, the holiday season suits you." He handed one of the glasses to him. Snape held it, making no move to drink from it.
"Kelly," the Potion's Master acknowledged in his low, measured voice. "I could say the same to you. I see you were unable to escape the sights of Narcissa."
The younger Slytherin hummed in agreement. "I have yet to figure out her criteria for attendees, though I suspect Draco must have said something to her about my return."
Snape's dark eyes flickered with amusement. "Indeed. Who would have thought having more Slytherin influence would resonate well within certain circles."
Antares' huffed a laugh. "You mean resonate well with their interests."
"You seem unsurprised by it."
"You are not the first person to tell me, but that does remind me of something worth your interest," Antares replied, looking around him subtly. "This morning, I had an interview with a reporter for the Whispering Willow. They were very keen to know how Hogwarts is fairing under Ministry control."
The corner of Snape's mouth curled into a sneer. "And you saw fit to share that information with a measly tabloid? Unwise, even for you. What, I wonder, could you have told them that was worth exposing the school?"
"Only the truth," Antares assured. "Most of it was just praise for the staff and students. Although, the High Inquisitor may receive some backlash."
"What did you do?" asked Snape distrustfully.
"Before you rip my head off," Antares said placatingly, grabbing another flute of champagne. "I didn't slander her."
Snape arched an eyebrow, signalling for him to elaborate.
"I merely highlighted her unique approach to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I also may have had a few choice words about her hypocritical tendencies," Antares explained, studying Snape's reaction.
"You see no issue in broadcasting Umbridge's methods to the world? The Ministry's grip on Hogwarts is precarious as it is, and now you risk yourself and your reputation," the Potion's Master glowered.
"Is that concern I hear in your voice, Severus?"
Snape's expression remained displeased. "Concern is a luxury I cannot afford."
Before Snape could retort, the conversation was interrupted by the approach of two familiar figures. "What could two esteemed guests be so concerned about during a festivity like this?" a voice inquired, sounding amused.
Lucius Malfoy, elegant in his swaying robes, and Draco Malfoy, who swaggered up behind his father, approached them with confident strides. "Severus, my old friend," Lucius welcomed, his grey eyes sharp even in the presence of his friend. "Narcissa will be glad to see you have arrived. How many owls did she send you this time?"
"Six," Snape exhaled in agitation, "I don't suppose you could have stopped her?"
"I wouldn't dare try," Lucius grinned.
"Assistant Kelly," Draco said in a simple greeting.
"Ah, yes," the elder Malfoy intoned, extending his hand. "Antares, was it? If I remember correctly, you attended last year's event. A pleasure to see you again."
Antares accepted the handshake, noting the precision in Lucius's movements. "Likewise, Mr. Malfoy. Your son speaks highly of you— and often."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, his features unreadable. "Does he now?" he drawled, glancing at Draco. "And how has he been faring in class?"
Antares offered a small, placating smile. "Draco has been a diligent student, one befitting the Malfoy name."
And he wasn't saying that out of politeness. Draco was indeed a remarkable student. He has top marks in nearly every class and showed a talent for Arithmancy. Only one student could best him come exam season, though he doubted Draco would take kindly to the mention of Hermione Granger.
Lucius looked pleased with his answer. "Draco has mentioned your return to Hogwarts. A career in teaching, I hear. An interesting choice. I myself was Chairman of the Board of Governors for a time."
Antares knew all about that. Lucius still took pride in his previous position despite being sacked after threatening to curse his fellow governors for their refusal to remove Dumbledore as Headmaster.
"I found that teaching suits me well, Mr. Malfoy," Antares responded diplomatically.
"Come now, you are among friends," Lucius chided. "Lucius will do."
Although Antares obliged the request, he internally recoiled as Lucius Malfoy casually referred to him as "friend." The mere notion of being associated with a man like Lucius on a personal level was an affront to his principles. It was a mockery, a living mockery that destroyed lives.
Antares wondered if Lucius would say that if he knew about him being a part of the Order.
"Assistant Kelly attends my Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions classes. What's more, I've heard from Miles Bletchley that he tutors N.E.W.T. level Arithmancy. The seventh-years speak highly of him," Draco supplied in a rare show of praise.
"It is well earned," Snape assured, giving Lucius a look Antares couldn't decipher. "Mr. Kelly is one of few who earned an Outstanding in my N.E.W.T. class."
Lucius hummed, signalling his approval. Antares didn't need it. "Not an easy feat. Severus and I were adept at Potions during our Hogwarts years. In fact, we were members of the Slug Club; do you remember that?" he reminisced to his friend. "Exclusive little thing that was. Only the best of the best were permitted to join. Horace and I were speaking about it earlier."
Antares recognized the name. Slughorn was a family within the Sacred Twenty-Eight, a wealthy one- if anything. "I will have to introduce myself sometime tonight, then," he said plainly.
He wouldn't.
"Horace Slughorn enjoys surrounding himself with promising individuals. Should your career prove beneficial, you may have a chance at catching his attention," Lucius noted. "It's a shame he retired. Horace always upheld such pride as the Head of Slytherin."
"Am I to take that as an insult, Lucius?" Snape queried, not at all bothered by the comment.
"Insult, Severus? No," Lucius replied smoothly. "Merely an observation. Slytherin House has produced some of the finest witches and wizards to date. It's a legacy worth upholding, one Dumbledore has diluted with his misguided inclusivity."
Antares took a measured sip of his champagne, concealing his distaste for such views. He had always found solace in the diversity of Hogwarts. It gave him the friends he had today. However, he knew better than to challenge the deeply ingrained beliefs of the Malfoys. And, had Antares been paying attention, he would have caught the measured stare of the blonde. Alas, he wasn't. No, Antares was focused on the faces of his friends that he had left previously. Vita and Adrian were staring at him openly— alarmingly. Vita maintained a poker face, betraying nothing, while Adrian's eyebrows slightly furrowed, puzzled.
"Father is correct," Draco added, echoing his father's sentiments. "Hogwarts was built to preserve our magical heritage. Now, it's become overrun with Mudbloods and half-breeds."
Antares resisted the urge to sigh. "While Hogwarts has undergone changes, I would argue that it was inevitable. Though, the Ministry's involvement has undoubtedly sparked concerns as well."
Lucius only narrowed his eyes. "Indeed? How so?"
"The recent appointment of Dolores Umbridge as High Inquisitor has, understandably, caused apprehension. Her methods make the students uneasy. It's a situation that requires careful consideration."
Draco, not one to shy away from expressing his views, interjected, "Umbridge is doing what's necessary to restore order. It's about time someone took charge."
"Understand, Draco, that her actions harm you the most," Antares retorted. "You are not allowed a wand in class. Tell me, how many spells have you mastered this last term?" He could feel Snape glaring holes into the side of his head.
Draco's gaze flickered with bitterness. "It's a temporary setback. Once Umbridge establishes control, things will return to normal."
Antares sent Lucius a look of discontent.
The elder Malfoy, however, was not easily swayed. "I commend your concern for Draco's education," he said, "but perhaps your idealism sways you."
"It's not idealism. I understand the importance of heritage," Antares began, his tone absolute. "My family has a legacy, and like any pure-blood, I am to uphold that legacy. It has never been easy, but in recent times, it has become even more difficult. Umbridge advocates for purity, yet she prevents magical practice. Do you know a witch or wizard who doesn't know how to cast Flipendo? Because I do."
He stared at Lucius, daring him to say otherwise. Taking silence as his queue, Antares continued, calmer this time.
"Umbridge's grip on the school jeopardizes the very foundation of our magical society. If her restrictions persist, what kind of wizards and witches will emerge from Hogwarts in the future? We risk producing a generation with limited magical proficiency, a weak generation filled with incompetence. That, in itself, is a betrayal of the pure-blood ideals we hold dear."
Lucius inclined his head, acknowledging the validity of Antares' perspective. "There is," he paused, "truth to your statement. Perhaps you should consider pursuing a career within the Ministry. A silver tongue like that is wasted as a professor."
Antares' expression turned thoughtful as he responded, "I appreciate the consideration, Lucius. However, my commitment lies with Hogwarts and its students. It's where I can make a tangible difference."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling into a wry smile. "Not idealism, but pragmatism. Then perhaps I have just had an enlightening conversation with a future Headmaster of Hogwarts?"
"I wouldn't presume to make such predictions," Antares claimed, feeling humbled by the suggestion. He was glad for it. The conversation had steered into dangerous territory, which was no one's fault but his own. "But what are Slytherins if not ambitious?"
With a courteous nod, Lucius and Draco left to attend to other guests. Snape, who looked finished with the whole scenario, shot him a look before walking away.
When he rejoined Vita and Adrian, neither said a word, only stared concerned.
"You were staring. Why?" Antares probed.
"What happened over there?" Vita asked, placing a hand on his forearm. She spoke gently, almost like she was trying to keep herself from spooking a deer in the wild.
"Nothing," he told her. "It was political chatter. Why do you ask?"
Adrian exchanged a glance with Vita before fixing Antares with a weighted expression. "Mate, you were gripping that champagne flute like you were trying to kill it."
Antares frowned. He was? He hadn't even noticed. The revelation troubled him more than he cared to admit.
Vita's grip on his forearm tightened ever so slightly. "Lu, you're not one to let 'chatter' bother you. Now, what did Lucius say?"
"Nothing of consequence," he deflected once again. "I may have made my stance clear on Umbridge. He didn't take kindly to my opinion- at first."
"Tell me you didn't insult him at his own party," Vita demanded. "Lu, I know he probably deserved it but-"
"But I didn't," Antares assured her, placing his hand over hers. "We talked about Hogwarts and Umbridge, that's all. For Merlin's sake, Vi, the man complimented me."
Adrian whistled lowly. "That's like winning the Quidditch World Cup. How are we not celebrating right now?"
Antares couldn't help but chuckle at Adrian's attempt to lighten the mood. Before he could speak, a body barrelled into his side.
"They have a cask of Odgen's Reserve Firewhiskey," Ernie gushed, with Cassius walking up next to him a second later.
With a shared glance, Vita, Adrian and Antares followed Ernie and Cassius toward the open bar, the source of the promised Firewhiskey. The group filled their glasses, the amber liquid creating a glimmer of fire that opposed the chandeliers above.
While they toasted to all of them being back together again, Antares and Vita locked eyes, and for a moment, he noticed the warm glow of the alcohol reflected in her green eyes. In that fleeting moment, as they clinked glasses, he couldn't help but find them mesmerizing.
"What?" Vita laughed with confused delight.
Antares only smiled, shaking his head while he sipped his drink.
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Antares has his own brand of propaganda
Also, Draco dropped the 'M' word.
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~Hircines